| 01.08.2007
The Czech Republic remained in good position to progress to the semi-finals of the Termosteps U16 European Championship Women despite losing 65-59 to Sweden in Group E.
The 2006 finalists Czech Republic dropped to 3-1 but will advance to Saturday's semis if they beat Serbia on Thursday. They can also move into the top four with a loss against the Serbs and a combination of results in the group.
Sweden - winners of the 2006 Division B crown - fought back from a 14-point third quarter deficit to improve to 2-2. But only a victory by 10 points or more would have helped greatly their semi-final chances.
"With regard to the semi-finals mathematics we knew that if we were to lose we should keep the margin to under nine points - provided that Serbia beat Hungary of course," said Czech coach Richard Fousek.
Sweden's physical style caused problems for Fousek's team as the Swedes won the rebound battle 55-34.
"Teams like Sweden with a lot of physical presence inside the paint do not really suit our style of play," the coach added.
Salome Kabengano scored 15 points, Cleopatra Forsman B. Goga had 14 points and eight rebounds while Amanda Zahui Bazoukou and Farhiya Abdi each had double-doubles, 14 points and 10 rebounds and 10 and 10, respectively.
Alena Hanusova paced the Czechs with 19 points, but the team made just two-of-18 three-pointers (11 percent).
The Czechs led 47-33 with seven minutes left in the third but Sweden went on a 28-7 tear to open a 61-54 lead with 2:56 remaining. But the Czechs stayed close enough to keep the point difference advantage.
Sweden face Belarus on Thursday.
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